Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method, comprising: forming, by a supervisory device in a network, a virtual access point (VAP) that is uniquely associated with a node among nodes in the network, wherein a plurality of access points (APs) in the network are mapped to the VAP as part of a VAP mapping, and wherein the node treats the APs in the VAP mapping as a single AP for purposes of communicating with the network; determining, by the supervisory device, a traffic type of traffic associated with the node; optimizing, by the supervisory device and based on a machine learning model, a channel plan that assigns the nodes in the network to different channels based on their associated traffic types; assigning, by the supervisory device, the node to a selected wireless channel according to the optimized channel plan; and controlling, by the supervisory device, the VAP to use the channel assigned to the node in the optimized channel plan.
This invention relates to wireless network optimization, specifically improving traffic management and channel allocation in networks with multiple access points (APs). The problem addressed is inefficient channel utilization and traffic handling in networks where nodes must communicate through multiple APs, leading to congestion, interference, and suboptimal performance. The solution involves a supervisory device that creates a virtual access point (VAP) uniquely associated with a node in the network. This VAP is mapped to multiple physical APs, allowing the node to treat them as a single AP for communication purposes. The supervisory device determines the traffic type associated with the node and uses a machine learning model to optimize a channel plan. This plan assigns nodes to different wireless channels based on their traffic types to minimize interference and maximize efficiency. The supervisory device then assigns the node to a selected channel according to the optimized plan and controls the VAP to use that channel. This approach dynamically adjusts channel assignments to improve network performance by reducing congestion and interference while ensuring efficient traffic handling.
2. The method as in claim 1 , wherein the VAP is associated with a service set identifier (SSID) or personal area network identifier (PAN-ID) uniquely assigned to the node.
A method for managing wireless network connectivity involves a virtual access point (VAP) that is uniquely associated with a node in a wireless network. The VAP is assigned a service set identifier (SSID) or personal area network identifier (PAN-ID) that is unique to the node, ensuring distinct identification within the network. This method enhances network security and management by preventing unauthorized access and enabling precise tracking of network traffic. The VAP operates as an intermediary between the node and the broader network, facilitating secure and efficient data transmission. The unique SSID or PAN-ID assignment ensures that each node is individually identifiable, reducing the risk of conflicts or misrouting of data packets. This approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple nodes operate within close proximity, such as in industrial IoT or smart home applications, where maintaining distinct and secure connections is critical. The method improves network reliability by minimizing interference and ensuring that each node maintains a dedicated communication channel. Additionally, the unique identifier allows for centralized monitoring and management, enabling administrators to quickly identify and address any connectivity issues. The overall system enhances network performance by optimizing resource allocation and reducing latency in data transmission.
3. The method as in claim 2 , wherein controlling the VAP to use the channel assigned to the node comprises: instructing, by the supervisory device, the plurality of APs in the VAP mapping to use the selected wireless channel for the SSID or PAN-ID assigned to the node.
This invention relates to wireless network management, specifically optimizing channel assignment for virtual access points (VAPs) in a network with multiple access points (APs) and nodes. The problem addressed is inefficient channel utilization in wireless networks where multiple APs serve the same service set identifier (SSID) or personal area network identifier (PAN-ID), leading to interference and degraded performance. The solution involves a supervisory device that dynamically controls the channel assignment for VAPs across multiple APs. The supervisory device selects a wireless channel for a specific SSID or PAN-ID assigned to a node and instructs all APs in the VAP mapping to use that selected channel. This ensures consistent channel usage for the same SSID or PAN-ID across all APs, reducing interference and improving network performance. The method includes monitoring network conditions, evaluating channel performance, and dynamically adjusting channel assignments to optimize connectivity for nodes in the network. The supervisory device coordinates with the APs to enforce the channel assignments, ensuring seamless operation for wireless devices connecting to the network. This approach enhances reliability and efficiency in wireless communications by minimizing channel conflicts and optimizing resource allocation.
4. The method as in claim 1 , wherein optimizing the channel plan based on the machine learning model comprises: monitoring service level agreements for the traffic types; and using machine learning to assign the nodes in the network to different channels to ensure the monitored service level agreements for the traffic types are met.
This invention relates to optimizing channel plans in a network using machine learning to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) for different traffic types are met. The method involves monitoring SLAs for various traffic types within the network, such as data, voice, or video, to assess performance metrics like latency, throughput, or packet loss. A machine learning model is then used to analyze this data and dynamically assign network nodes to different communication channels. The model adjusts channel assignments to prioritize traffic types based on their SLAs, ensuring that critical services maintain required performance levels. The optimization process may involve reallocating channels to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, or meet specific QoS (Quality of Service) requirements. The machine learning model is trained on historical network performance data and continuously updated to adapt to changing traffic patterns and network conditions. This approach automates channel management, reducing manual intervention and improving overall network reliability and performance.
5. The method as in claim 1 , wherein optimizing the channel plan comprises: determining that the selected wireless channel for the node is not the optimal channel for the traffic type of the traffic associated with the node; and allowing the node to operate on the selected wireless channel when the optimal channel for the traffic type is saturated.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically optimizing channel plans for nodes in a network to improve traffic handling efficiency. The problem addressed is the suboptimal allocation of wireless channels to nodes, which can lead to congestion, reduced throughput, and inefficient use of available spectrum. The method involves dynamically adjusting channel assignments for nodes based on traffic type and channel saturation. When a node is assigned a wireless channel, the system evaluates whether this channel is optimal for the traffic type being handled by the node. If the assigned channel is not optimal, the system checks whether the optimal channel for that traffic type is saturated. If the optimal channel is saturated, the node is allowed to continue operating on the initially selected (non-optimal) channel to avoid further congestion. This ensures that traffic is routed efficiently while preventing network bottlenecks caused by overloading the best-performing channels. The approach balances between ideal channel allocation and practical constraints, ensuring that traffic flows smoothly even when the most efficient channels are unavailable. This is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where channel contention is high.
6. The method as in claim 1 , wherein the traffic type of the traffic associated with the node is determined based on at least one of: data from a policy server regarding the node, data from a security engine regarding the node, or an inspection of the traffic associated with the node.
This invention relates to network traffic analysis and classification, specifically determining the type of traffic associated with a network node. The problem addressed is the need to accurately identify traffic types to improve network security, policy enforcement, and traffic management. Traditional methods often rely on static rules or limited inspection, which can be ineffective against evolving threats or complex traffic patterns. The invention provides a method for determining the traffic type of a node by analyzing multiple data sources. First, it may use data from a policy server, which stores predefined rules or policies associated with the node. Second, it may use data from a security engine, which monitors the node for suspicious or malicious activity. Third, it may perform a direct inspection of the traffic itself, analyzing packet contents, headers, or behavioral patterns. By combining these sources, the method achieves a more comprehensive and accurate classification of traffic types, enabling better decision-making for security, policy enforcement, and traffic routing. This approach improves over prior art by reducing false positives, adapting to dynamic threats, and supporting more granular traffic management. The method is applicable in enterprise networks, cloud environments, and other systems where traffic classification is critical for security and performance.
7. The method as in claim 1 , wherein controlling the VAP to use the channel assigned to the node comprises: adjusting, by the supervisory device, which APs are in the VAP mapping.
This invention relates to wireless network management, specifically optimizing channel assignments in a network with multiple access points (APs) and virtual access points (VAPs). The problem addressed is inefficient channel utilization in dense wireless environments, where overlapping channels cause interference and degrade performance. The method involves a supervisory device dynamically controlling VAPs to improve channel allocation. The supervisory device adjusts which APs are included in the VAP mapping, effectively reassigning channels to reduce interference. This adjustment ensures that VAPs use the most suitable channels assigned to the nodes they serve, enhancing network efficiency and performance. The system includes a network with multiple APs, each capable of operating on different channels, and VAPs that provide logical network segmentation. The supervisory device monitors network conditions and modifies the VAP-to-AP mappings to optimize channel usage. By dynamically adjusting these mappings, the method avoids static configurations that may lead to suboptimal performance over time. This approach is particularly useful in environments with high AP density, such as enterprise or campus networks, where traditional static channel assignments often result in interference and reduced throughput. The dynamic adjustment of VAP mappings allows the network to adapt to changing conditions, ensuring better channel utilization and minimizing disruptions.
8. The method as in claim 1 , wherein the supervisory device is a wireless controller in the network.
A wireless network system includes a supervisory device that monitors and controls network operations. The supervisory device is a wireless controller that manages network traffic, optimizes performance, and ensures security. It communicates with other network devices, such as access points and client devices, to maintain connectivity and handle data transmission. The supervisory device may also detect and mitigate network issues, such as congestion or interference, to improve reliability. Additionally, it can enforce security policies, authenticate devices, and monitor network activity to prevent unauthorized access. The system may further include mechanisms for dynamic configuration, load balancing, and quality-of-service management to enhance network efficiency. The supervisory device operates within the network infrastructure, ensuring seamless and secure communication across connected devices.
9. An apparatus, comprising: one or more network interfaces to communicate with a network; a processor coupled to the network interfaces and configured to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: form a virtual access point (VAP) that is uniquely associated with a node among nodes in the network, wherein a plurality of access points (APs) in the network are mapped to the VAP as part of a VAP mapping, and wherein the node treats the APs in the VAP mapping as a single AP for purposes of communicating with the network; determine a traffic type of traffic associated with the node; optimize, based on a machine learning model, a channel plan that assigns the nodes in the network to different channels based on their associated traffic types; assign the node to a selected wireless channel according to the optimized channel plan; and control the VAP to use the channel assigned to the node in the optimized channel plan.
This invention relates to wireless network optimization, specifically improving channel assignment in networks with multiple access points (APs). The problem addressed is inefficient channel utilization in wireless networks, where traffic types (e.g., voice, video, data) vary across nodes, leading to congestion, interference, or suboptimal performance. The apparatus includes network interfaces, a processor, and memory storing a process. The process forms a virtual access point (VAP) uniquely associated with a node in the network. Multiple APs are mapped to this VAP, allowing the node to treat them as a single AP for communication. The system determines the traffic type (e.g., latency-sensitive or high-bandwidth) associated with the node. A machine learning model then optimizes a channel plan by assigning nodes to different wireless channels based on their traffic types. The node is assigned to a selected channel according to this optimized plan, and the VAP is controlled to use that channel. This approach dynamically adjusts channel assignments to reduce interference and improve network efficiency.
10. The apparatus as in claim 9 , wherein the VAP is associated with a service set identifier (SSID) or personal area network identifier (PAN-ID) uniquely assigned to the node.
A wireless communication apparatus includes a node configured to establish a virtual access point (VAP) for managing network connections. The VAP is uniquely identified by a service set identifier (SSID) or personal area network identifier (PAN-ID) assigned to the node. This allows the node to distinguish and manage multiple network connections independently. The apparatus may also include a processor to handle data transmission and reception through the VAP, ensuring secure and efficient communication. The node can dynamically configure the VAP based on network conditions, such as signal strength or bandwidth requirements, to optimize performance. The unique SSID or PAN-ID ensures that the VAP is distinguishable from other network access points, preventing conflicts and improving network management. This system is particularly useful in environments where multiple devices need to connect to a single node while maintaining separate and secure connections. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as encryption and authentication mechanisms, to enhance security. The node can operate in various wireless standards, including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, depending on the application. The overall system provides a flexible and scalable solution for managing wireless network connections in diverse environments.
11. The apparatus as in claim 10 , wherein the apparatus controls the VAP to use the channel assigned to the node by: instructing the plurality of APs in the VAP mapping to use the selected wireless channel for the SSID or PAN-ID assigned to the node.
This invention relates to wireless network management, specifically improving channel assignment in virtual access point (VAP) environments. The problem addressed is inefficient channel utilization in networks where multiple access points (APs) serve the same service set identifier (SSID) or personal area network identifier (PAN-ID), leading to interference and degraded performance. The apparatus dynamically assigns and controls wireless channels for nodes in a network. It includes a plurality of APs, each capable of operating on multiple wireless channels, and a controller that manages channel assignments. The controller selects a wireless channel for a node based on network conditions, such as interference or load, and assigns that channel to the node. The apparatus then instructs the APs in the VAP mapping to use the selected channel for the SSID or PAN-ID associated with the node. This ensures consistent channel usage across all APs serving the same SSID or PAN-ID, reducing interference and improving network performance. The system may also monitor network conditions and adjust channel assignments dynamically to maintain optimal performance. The controller can prioritize certain channels or nodes based on predefined rules or real-time data. This approach enhances scalability and reliability in wireless networks with multiple APs and VAPs.
12. The apparatus as in claim 9 , wherein the apparatus optimizes the channel plan based on the machine learning model by: monitoring service level agreements for the traffic types; and using machine learning to assign the nodes in the network to different channels to ensure the monitored service level agreements for the traffic types are met.
This invention relates to optimizing channel plans in a network using machine learning to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) for different traffic types are met. The apparatus monitors SLAs for various traffic types, such as voice, video, or data, to assess performance metrics like latency, throughput, and packet loss. Using a machine learning model, the apparatus dynamically assigns network nodes to different communication channels to maintain or improve SLA compliance. The model analyzes historical and real-time traffic patterns, node performance, and channel conditions to determine optimal channel assignments. This adaptive approach ensures efficient resource utilization while meeting the specific requirements of each traffic type. The system may also incorporate feedback loops to refine the machine learning model over time, improving its accuracy in predicting and addressing network performance issues. By automating channel optimization, the apparatus reduces manual configuration efforts and enhances overall network reliability and efficiency.
13. The apparatus as in claim 9 , wherein the apparatus optimizes the channel plan by: determining that the selected wireless channel for the node is not the optimal channel for the traffic type of the traffic associated with the node; and allowing the node to operate on the selected wireless channel when the optimal channel for the traffic type is saturated.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically optimizing channel selection for nodes in a network to improve traffic handling efficiency. The problem addressed is the suboptimal allocation of wireless channels, which can lead to congestion, reduced throughput, and inefficient use of network resources. The apparatus includes a node configured to operate on a selected wireless channel and a controller that manages channel allocation. The controller determines whether the selected channel is optimal for the traffic type associated with the node. If the optimal channel for that traffic type is already saturated, the node is allowed to continue operating on the selected channel rather than being reassigned to an overloaded channel. This prevents further congestion on the optimal channel while ensuring the node can still function, albeit on a less ideal channel. The optimization process involves evaluating traffic conditions and channel availability to make dynamic adjustments. By avoiding unnecessary reassignments to saturated channels, the system maintains stability and avoids performance degradation. This approach is particularly useful in dense networks where channel contention is high, ensuring efficient traffic flow without overloading any single channel. The solution balances between ideal channel allocation and practical network constraints, improving overall network performance.
14. The apparatus as in claim 9 , wherein the traffic type of the traffic associated with the node is determined based on at least one of: data from a policy server regarding the node, data from a security engine regarding the node, or an inspection of the traffic associated with the node.
This invention relates to network traffic management, specifically determining the type of traffic associated with a network node to improve security and policy enforcement. The problem addressed is the need to accurately classify network traffic to apply appropriate security measures and policies, ensuring efficient and secure data transmission. The apparatus includes a network node that generates or receives traffic, and a traffic analysis module that determines the traffic type. The traffic type is identified using one or more methods: data from a policy server, which stores predefined rules or classifications for nodes; data from a security engine, which analyzes node behavior for threats or anomalies; or direct inspection of the traffic itself, examining packet headers, payloads, or patterns to classify the traffic. By combining these methods, the system enhances accuracy in traffic classification, enabling better policy enforcement and threat detection. The policy server provides predefined classifications, the security engine detects suspicious activity, and traffic inspection offers real-time analysis. This multi-faceted approach ensures robust traffic management, improving network security and performance. The invention is particularly useful in environments where dynamic traffic classification is required, such as enterprise networks, cloud services, or IoT deployments.
15. The apparatus as in claim 9 , wherein the apparatus controls the VAP to use the channel assigned to the node by: adjusting which APs are in the VAP mapping.
This invention relates to wireless network management, specifically optimizing channel assignments in a network with multiple access points (APs) and virtual access points (VAPs). The problem addressed is inefficient channel utilization in dense wireless environments, where overlapping channels can cause interference and degrade performance. The apparatus dynamically controls a virtual access point (VAP) to improve channel allocation by adjusting the mapping of physical access points (APs) to the VAP. The VAP is a logical entity that can be assigned to a specific channel, and the apparatus modifies which physical APs are included in this mapping to optimize channel usage. By selectively including or excluding APs from the VAP mapping, the system ensures that the assigned channel is used efficiently, reducing interference and improving network performance. The apparatus monitors network conditions, such as signal strength, interference levels, and traffic load, to determine the optimal AP configuration for the VAP. When conditions change, the apparatus updates the VAP mapping to maintain efficient channel utilization. This dynamic adjustment helps balance traffic across channels and minimizes congestion, particularly in environments with high AP density. The solution is particularly useful in enterprise or public Wi-Fi networks where multiple APs operate in close proximity. By intelligently managing the VAP-to-AP mapping, the system enhances overall network reliability and throughput.
16. The apparatus as in claim 9 , wherein the apparatus is a wireless controller in the network.
A wireless controller in a network manages and coordinates wireless access points to optimize network performance. The controller handles tasks such as load balancing, security enforcement, and client device authentication. It ensures seamless connectivity by dynamically adjusting channel assignments and power levels to minimize interference. The controller also monitors network traffic, identifies bottlenecks, and redistributes clients across access points to maintain high throughput and reliability. Additionally, it enforces security policies, such as encryption and access control, to protect the network from unauthorized access. The controller may also support advanced features like roaming, where devices transition between access points without losing connectivity. By centralizing management, the controller simplifies network administration and improves overall efficiency. This system is particularly useful in environments with multiple access points, such as enterprise networks, where maintaining consistent performance and security is critical. The controller may also integrate with other network management tools to provide comprehensive monitoring and analytics.
17. A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing program instructions that cause a supervisory device in a network to execute a process comprising: forming, by the supervisory device, a virtual access point (VAP) that is uniquely associated with a node among nodes in the network, wherein a plurality of access points (APs) in the network are mapped to the VAP as part of a VAP mapping, and wherein the node treats the APs in the VAP mapping as a single AP for purposes of communicating with the network; determining, by the supervisory device, a traffic type of traffic associated with the node; optimizing, by the supervisory device and based on a machine learning model, a channel plan that assigns the nodes in the network to different channels based on their associated traffic types; assigning, by the supervisory device, the node to a selected wireless channel according to the optimized channel plan; and controlling, by the supervisory device, the VAP to use the channel assigned to the node in the optimized channel plan.
A system for optimizing wireless network performance involves a supervisory device that manages virtual access points (VAPs) in a network. Each VAP is uniquely associated with a node and groups multiple physical access points (APs) into a single logical AP for communication purposes. The supervisory device analyzes traffic types associated with each node and uses a machine learning model to optimize channel assignments across the network. The optimization process assigns nodes to different wireless channels based on their traffic characteristics to improve efficiency and reduce interference. The supervisory device then controls the VAP to operate on the assigned channel according to the optimized plan. This approach dynamically adjusts channel allocations to enhance network performance by leveraging machine learning and virtualized access point management. The system is implemented via program instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, executed by the supervisory device to automate the channel optimization process.
18. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium as in claim 17 , wherein optimizing the channel plan based on the machine learning model comprises: monitoring service level agreements for the traffic types; and using machine learning to assign the nodes in the network to different channels to ensure the monitored service level agreements for the traffic types are met.
This invention relates to optimizing wireless network channel plans using machine learning to improve service level agreements (SLAs) for different traffic types. The problem addressed is inefficient channel allocation in wireless networks, which can lead to congestion, poor performance, and SLA violations. The solution involves dynamically assigning network nodes to different channels based on real-time monitoring of SLAs for various traffic types, such as voice, video, or data. The system monitors SLAs for different traffic types to assess performance metrics like latency, throughput, and packet loss. A machine learning model analyzes this data to predict optimal channel assignments. The model considers factors such as interference patterns, traffic load, and node capabilities to ensure SLAs are met. By continuously adjusting channel assignments, the system adapts to changing network conditions, improving overall efficiency and reliability. The machine learning model is trained on historical and real-time network data to refine its predictions over time. This adaptive approach ensures that channel allocations remain optimal as traffic patterns and network demands evolve. The solution is particularly useful in dense or dynamic wireless environments where static channel plans are ineffective. By leveraging machine learning, the system automates channel optimization, reducing manual configuration and improving network performance.
19. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium as in claim 17 , wherein optimizing the channel plan comprises: determining that the selected wireless channel for the node is not the optimal channel for the traffic type of the traffic associated with the node; and allowing the node to operate on the selected wireless channel when the optimal channel for the traffic type is saturated.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically optimizing channel plans for network nodes to improve traffic handling. The problem addressed is inefficient channel allocation, where nodes may be assigned suboptimal channels, leading to congestion or poor performance, especially when optimal channels are saturated. The invention involves a method for optimizing channel plans in a wireless network by evaluating whether a node's assigned channel aligns with the optimal channel for its traffic type. If the assigned channel is not optimal, the system checks if the optimal channel is saturated. If the optimal channel is saturated, the node is allowed to continue operating on the currently selected (non-optimal) channel to avoid further congestion. This approach balances traffic distribution and prevents network degradation when ideal channels are overloaded. The system dynamically assesses channel suitability based on traffic type and network conditions, ensuring efficient resource utilization. By permitting nodes to remain on non-optimal channels when better alternatives are unavailable, the invention maintains network stability and performance under varying loads. This method is particularly useful in dense wireless environments where channel contention is high.
20. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium as in claim 17 , wherein the VAP is associated with a service set identifier (SSID) or personal area network identifier (PAN-ID) uniquely assigned to the node.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing virtual access points (VAPs) in network nodes. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure identification of network nodes in wireless environments, particularly in scenarios where multiple virtual access points operate within a single physical device. The invention involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, configure a network node to create and manage a virtual access point (VAP) associated with a unique service set identifier (SSID) or personal area network identifier (PAN-ID). The VAP is uniquely assigned to the node, ensuring that each node in the network can be distinctly identified. This unique assignment prevents conflicts and enhances security by allowing precise tracking and authentication of network devices. The system dynamically generates or assigns the SSID or PAN-ID to the VAP, ensuring that the identifier is exclusive to the node. This approach simplifies network management, reduces the risk of identifier collisions, and improves the reliability of wireless communications. The invention is particularly useful in environments where multiple nodes operate in close proximity, such as in mesh networks, IoT deployments, or enterprise wireless systems. By associating the VAP with a unique SSID or PAN-ID, the invention enables better device management, easier troubleshooting, and enhanced security through unique node identification. The solution is implemented via software instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, ensuring compatibility with existing network hardware while providing advanced functionality.
Unknown
August 25, 2020
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